Measuring wind vectors remotely using airborne radar

Abstract

Airborne meteorological radars and related networks and models. In one embodiment a network for creating a meteorological model includes a mobile sensing node and a modeling node. The sensing node includes a meteorological RADAR that senses the wind velocity. Data from the meteorological RADAR regarding the wind velocity is received by a processor of the modeling node which determines a model of the wind from the wind velocity. The modeling node combines data from a second sampling node with the data from the first sampling node to create a resultant wind velocity vector. Preferably, the modeling node and the sampling node(s) communicate over an airborne WAN. Another embodiment provides a method of measuring the wind velocity. The method includes steering an RADAR signal out of the plane of travel of the mobile platform. The wind velocity is measured using a return of the RADAR signal.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 235,371, entitled Airborne Weather Profiler Network, filed by Tillotson on Sep. 26, 2005, which is incorporated herein as if set forth in full.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to meteorological radars and, more particularly, to airborne meteorological radars adapted to measure wind related Doppler effects with a high degree of resolution. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Current meteorological models are limited in their capabilities by the quality and quantity of available weather data. In particular, the sensors that gather weather data are few and far between in remote areas such as deserts, the polar regions, and oceans. The Eastern Pacific Ocean is one such example and has only a few weather buoys scattered along thousands of miles of United States coast. Since weather moves in from the Pacific in the western United States, the lack of da...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system for remotely measuring wind vectors at multiple altitudes using airborne meteorological radar units. These units can measure wind speed and direction with high resolution at the same time. The radar units can be mounted on commercial aircraft or other vehicles, which can fly over the globe and at frequent intervals. The radar units can also scan below the aircraft's flight path, providing valuable information on the wind velocity and direction. The invention also includes networks and systems for combining wind velocity data from multiple airborne weather radar units to improve accuracy and measure wind speed and direction from different directions. The invention also provides a computer network for building weather models from the gathered profiles of meteorological properties. Overall, the invention allows for more frequent and accurate wind data collection and modeling, improving the quality of weather predictions.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, these previously available radars are only able to resolve six discrete levels of precipitation.

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